Advances in optogenetic and chemogenetic methods to study brain circuits in non-human primates

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Adriana Galvan, Emory University; Michael J. Caiola, Emory University; Daniel L. Albaugh, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2018-03-01
• Publisher: Springer Verlag (Germany)
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2017, Springer-Verlag Wien.
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00702-017-1697-8
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Journal of Neural Transmission
• ISSN: 0300-9564
• Volume: 125
• Issue: 3
• Start Page: 547
• End Page: 563
• Keywords: Non-human primates; Optogenetics; CLOZAPINE-N-OXIDE; Neurosciences & Neurology; Neurosciences; DREADDs; Opsins; Clinical Neurology; Basal ganglia; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; INDIRECT PATHWAY; Monkeys; CONVECTION-ENHANCED DELIVERY; GENE DELIVERY; BASAL GANGLIA; Science & Technology; ADENOASSOCIATED VIRUS; VIRAL VECTORS; OPTICAL CONTROL; MILLISECOND-TIMESCALE; SUBTHALAMIC NUCLEUS; Chemogenetics
• Research Categories: Biology, Neuroscience; Biology, Genetics

Abstract

Over the last 10 years, the use of opto- and chemogenetics to modulate neuronal activity in research applications has increased exponentially. Both techniques involve the genetic delivery of artificial proteins (opsins or engineered receptors) that are expressed on a selective population of neurons. The firing of these neurons can then be manipulated using light sources (for opsins) or by systemic administration of exogenous compounds (for chemogenetic receptors). Opto- and chemogenetic tools have enabled many important advances in basal ganglia research in rodent models, yet these techniques have faced a slow progress in non-human primate (NHP) research. In this review, we present a summary of the current state of these techniques in NHP research and outline some of the main challenges associated with the use of these genetic-based approaches in monkeys. We also explore cutting-edge developments that will facilitate the use of opto- and chemogenetics in NHPs, and help advance our understanding of basal ganglia circuits in normal and pathological conditions.